Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed – Facts and Traits

The Miniature Schnauzer is a smart, alert, and very lively little dog with a big personality. Like all Schnauzers, it needs a loving and consistent upbringing and lots of work. Then it is an adaptable, uncomplicated companion that can also be kept well in a city apartment.

Origin and history

The breed history of the Miniature Schnauzer only begins towards the end of the 19th century, but the roots of these dogs can be traced back to the 15th century. Like its larger counterpart, it descends from rough-haired pinschers that were kept on southern German farms as rat hunters and guards or as carriage companions.

Appearance

The Miniature Schnauzer is a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer. Its physique is almost square with about the same height as length. According to the breed standard, the Miniature Schnauzer should be just as athletic and powerfully built as its bigger brother.

The ears and tail of the Miniature Schnauzer used to be docked. Today, Miniature Schnauzers have naturally grown, a straight and medium-length tail that is carried proudly. The natural ears are set high and folded forward.

The Miniature Schnauzer’s hair is wiry, harsh, and dense. It consists of a dense undercoat and a hard, rough top coat, which offers optimum protection against wet and cold. Special features are the bushy eyebrows that slightly overshadow the eyes and the eponymous beard.

Miniature Schnauzers come in white, black, salt pepper, and black and silver colors.

Nature

As a former Pied Piper and incorruptible guard, the Miniature Schnauzer is extremely alert and barks, very spirited and has a great personality. It is reserved towards strangers and likes to start fights with strange dogs. The Miniature Schnauzer does not show much obedience. It is therefore also necessary to steer his strong personality in the right direction at an early stage with sensitive and consistent training. Otherwise, the dwarf can also become the tyrant of the house.

The lively and lively Miniature Schnauzer is full of the urge to move and is enterprising. In the absence of employment, he can also develop bad habits. Miniature Schnauzers are ideal hiking companions, and jogging partners and also keep up well when cycling. They are also suitable for dog sporting challenges such as agility, obedience, or track work, as long as there is always something going on.

Miniature Schnauzers form a strong bond with their caregiver and are very affectionate. With enough activity, they are ideal and very adaptable companions who feel just as comfortable in a large family as in a one-person household. They can also be kept well in a city apartment.

The Miniature Schnauzer’s rough coat needs regular trimming but is easy to care for and doesn’t shed.